Pork Pie swaps out limos for Minis at Invercargill premiere

Kavinda Herath / Fairfax NZ

The Invercargill Pork Pie movie premier at Reading Cinema on Wednesday night

They've brought that bloody car to Invercargill, again.

After cutting a ribbon at the opening of Pork Pie Lane, a convoy of Minis for actors and crew was joined by hundreds of people taking to the red carpet to celebrate the Invercargill premiere of Pork Pie.

The premiere drew all ages, from those who remembered seeing the original Goodbye Pork Pie in 1981, to young people keen to meet the good-looking cast.

The Invercargill Pork Pie movie premier at Reading Cinema on Wednesday night, pictured outside the cinema after arriving ...
Robyn Edie

The Invercargill Pork Pie movie premier at Reading Cinema on Wednesday night, pictured outside the cinema after arriving in the mini's are, from left, director Matt Murphy, actor Rima Te Wiata, producer Tom Hern, and actors James Rolleston and Dean O'Gorman.

Actors were mobbed by those wanting selfies with the stars - a new age of autographs.

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Pork Pie stars Dean O'Gorman, who plays Jon, said it had been a big week touring and promoting the much-anticipated film.

Actors Dean O'Gorman, left, and James Rolleston being interviewed outside the cinema.
Robyn Edie

Actors Dean O'Gorman, left, and James Rolleston being interviewed outside the cinema.

"It's nice to finish in Invercargill ... this is a really warm welcome. Invercargill put on quite a spread."

It was "a nice wrap", he said.

James Rolleston, who plays Luke, gave a Kiwi response to finishing the tour in Invercargill, where the road trip in the film ends.

Producer Tom Hern and actor Dean O'Gorman high five outside the cinema.
Robyn Edie

Producer Tom Hern and actor Dean O'Gorman high five outside the cinema.

"It was choice," he said.

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Tackling the classic film was something the pair were excited to be a part of.

No nerves, they said.

The convoy of Mini's rounding Troppers Memorial, onto The Crescent.
Robyn Edie

The convoy of Mini's rounding Troppers Memorial, onto The Crescent.

Or maybe some light nerves, Rolleston later admitted.

Remaking the film was a rebirth of a strong legacy, but Rolleston said he was confident the team did a brilliant job.

The film was produced by Tom Hern, of Four Knights Film, and was written and directed by Matt Murphy.

The Invercargill Pork Pie movie premiere at Reading Cinemas on Wednesday night, actors James Rolleston and Dean ...
Robyn Edie

The Invercargill Pork Pie movie premiere at Reading Cinemas on Wednesday night, actors James Rolleston and Dean O'Gorman, director Matt Murphy, and producer Tom Hern.

Murphy's father was the original director, Geoff Murphy.

Mayor Tim Shadbolt said about 400 people turned out to celebrate the premiere.

The film premiere was the fourth since The World's Fastest Indian, he said.

The Invercargill Pork Pie movie premier at Reading Cinema on Wednesday night, pictured Mayor Tim Shadbolt cutting the ...
Robyn Edie

The Invercargill Pork Pie movie premier at Reading Cinema on Wednesday night, pictured Mayor Tim Shadbolt cutting the ribbon for the newly named Pork Pie Lane, while producer Tom Hern jumps in the air.

It was "fantastic" for the town to host an event like this, he said.

"It's a cliche but it puts Invercargill on the map."

It is a promotion of New Zealand's environment, culture and music to the rest of the world, he said.

Heading into the movie are Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt, left, and movie producer Tom Hern.
Robyn Edie

Heading into the movie are Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt, left, and movie producer Tom Hern.

The event was well received by the public.

Tony and Claire Vanderlen, of Invercargill, said they loved the original so had high hopes for the remake.

Tony said dressing up for the occasion was something the pair looked forward to.

"You don't get to do it often," he said.

Tim Gow, of Blackmount, was at the premiere with his wife and two of their children.

His love of Minis inspired him to watch the first film.

"It [the original] was an iconic movie."

There was plenty of entertainment for the public to enjoy beforehand, including a pie eating contest at Wachner Place.

Pork Pie will be released in the rest of the country on Thursday.

Ashleigh Cummings, who plays Keira, did not attend. 

 - Stuff

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